Car servicing: Automotive workers work on a car at a workshop at Sin Ming Drive on 24 April 2015.
Walking into a workshop for your first car servicing can be a daunting experience.
Especially if all you know about cars is how to pump petrol and check tyre pressures.
However, you needn’t be intimidated. You’re not going to service your own car.
And after reading our handy tips, you should be able to walk into the workshop with confidence.
Car servicing question #1: Service A or Service B?
This question is common for folks who go back to the authorised dealer for service.
If you don’t know much about cars, just check your mileage.
Which service programme does it correspond to?
For instance, if you have clocked close to 10,000km and Service A is recommended for cars with 10,000km, just choose A then.
Your mechanic or service adviser should be able to advise you accordingly.
What’s the difference between mineral and synthetic engine oil?
Car servicing question #2: Synthetic or Mineral oil?
Again, this is pretty simple. If you have a modern car, always choose a fully synthetic oil.
Synthetic oil protects your engine better than mineral oil. It is also more resistant to breaking down over time.
This is why its change intervals are longer compared to mineral oils.
But if you have an old car, say something over 30 years old, modern oils may damage its engine.
Car servicing question #3: Need to rotate your tyres?
If you are driving a brand-new car and you have close to 10,000km on the odometer, say yes.
In fact, it is advisable to rotate your tyres every 5000km, to ensure even wear throughout their service life.
Car servicing question #4: Wanna do an engine flush?
The answer to this question should be a firm “No”.
If this is a brand-new car and you are coming in for your first 10,000km service, you don’t need it.
It doesn’t matter what the workshop tells you about how it is “good for your engine”.
By flushing the engine to remove carbon, you risk stripping the thin layer of oil that coats engine parts.
This layer is what protects the metal from wear when the engine is first started.
When you start the engine after the car has been idle a few hours (or overnight), most of the oil returns to the sump.
You don’t need an engine flush as long as you service your car regularly and only use quality synthetic engine oil.
Car servicing question #5: Want to do polishing?
Some workshops will try to sell you a grooming package or service.
There is nothing wrong with this. It is your choice.
However, if you are keen on maintaining your car’s finish, don’t do it.
It is better to find a professional detailer instead.
Professional car detailers are going to be more obsessed with proper grooming than a workshop ever will.
Ask your friends, colleagues or relatives for recommendations.
Make sure that the person is obsessed with grooming his or her car, too.
They will be able to point you in the right direction.
